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Terri Webster Schrandt

Sunday Stills: Going #Back … ?

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I’m back…as this week’s title might suggest. I can’t thank Natalie enough for hosting Sunday Stills in my absence and with her amazing themes, no less! Thank you to all my fellow bloggers who continued to participate in Sunday Stills and support Natalie while I was on my three-week break. That is if you can call two-out-of-three whirlwind weekends a break!

Subconsciously, I chose this theme a few weeks ago based on some random thought, but as we traveled the first week between August 20-24, I realized how perfect the theme is to highlight our whirlwind weekend.

Before I launch into my photos, “Going Back…” implies going back to something, whether a place you’ve visited before, going back “in time” as you view your photo archives, or how about going back “to the future?” Use any preposition to add to going back that suits you…going back …in, on, to, out, under, over, through, between, by, as far as, across, etc. I’m certain all you clever bloggers will come up with some spectacular ideas and images to match!

Why did I take a blogging break?

As summer progressed, I found myself getting way too busy at the end of August into early September. My gorgeous step-daughter decided on having her wedding sooner than later and she was gracious enough to ask us when we would be available. I mentioned that Hans had a high school football celebration on August 20 where he would be in San Diego for the event. Vanessa is a detail-oriented, highly organized, long-range planner like her step-mom (she refers to me as her “bonus mom”), so she did some checking for a wedding venue. She chose Sedona for a small parents-only wedding on Monday, August 23. I’m sure she and her groom saved scads of dollars by choosing a Monday in the low-season. Sedona is in the high desert of Arizona, two hours north of Phoenix, so yep, it’s hot there especially this time of year.

Between the football event, our wedding anniversary on August 22 (spent in Prescott and in Sedona), and the wedding, this was a crazy weekend that involved me planning three one-way flights and a rental car, securing five nights in the Pet Lodge for the pups and 15 other things that had to happen. Not to mention, I haven’t traveled by air for almost 2 years, which usually makes me a little anxious.

Since my buddy Marsha makes an appearance in this post today, I again was inspired by her Writers’ Quotes Wednesday challenge which is Writer’s Choice or Order. At first, I didn’t think I could combine “order” with “going back,” but, welp, I managed to (thanks, Google).

In order to move forward, you have to look back.

Matt Maher

So let’s go back and take a partial look at our whirlwind weekends.

Going Back out on the Field for…High School Sports

My husband and I met at our high school near San Diego as 14-year-olds in 1974. We did not date but we were friends. Both of us were prominent athletes in our respective sports, me in swimming and track-and-field, he in football and soccer. Helix High School began its football program in 1951, and several former players organized a 70-year celebration honoring players from 7 decades and the coaches who inspired them.

Encouraged by friends on Facebook, we decided to make the trip for this one-of-a kind event.

These “old guys” from the 70s decade enjoyed going back onto the field and eventually watching the varsity football game after the celebration. Hans is front and center!

Helix HS 70-year football celebration 2021
Going back to high school football

I’d love to go back to when we played as kids, but things change. And that’s the way it is.

Tupac Shakur

Not only were there over 200 players there to receive honors, but alumni Bill Walton, of NBA-fame (playing for Portland Trailblazers and Boston Celtics), was also there to support his fellow Helix athletes.

For you American football buffs, two famous Helix alumni, Alex Smith and Reggie Bush, played football at Helix High school in the early 2000s and went on to become stars in the NFL.

According to Wikipedia, “While at Helix, Reggie played with the 2004 Heisman Trophy finalist and first overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft Alex Smith. During his prep career with the Helix Highlanders, he won the prestigious Silver Pigskin trophy awarded by KUSI’s Prep Pigskin Report. Smith and Bush were later finalists for the 2004 Heisman Trophy, making it the first time a high school had two finalists at the same ceremony.”

Due to their busy schedules they were unable to attend, but how cool, huh?

My lovely daughter housed us overnight at her place and we enjoyed a fun but brief visit with her before we headed out Saturday morning to fly to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Going Back to… Celebrating Friendships

We arrived in Phoenix and drove two hours to Prescott, AZ to stay with Marsha and her husband in their lovely new home! They treated us to a nice dinner downtown, then we strolled through the quaint streets in the warm summer evening.

We spent Sunday morning checking out Watson Lake and folks enjoying their kayaks and paddleboards. Marsha and her husband decided to drive along with us to Sedona to eat lunch at Butterfly Grill for our wedding anniversary. Such a fun day!

Blogger Friends in Prescott, AZ
Photo credit, Marsha’s hubby

Speaking of friendships, long-time friend, Marcie, and her husband drove from Sacramento area to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho (one hour drive from our home), to attend a family wedding over the Labor Day holiday weekend. They joined us at our home for dinner and was the first time they had seen our new place! I miss this bestie—we have been friends since 1980, our kids are the same age and we played years of recreational softball together.

Best friends
Friends for 40+ years!

Going Back to a Place…Sedona, Arizona

After saying goodbye to Marsha and her husband, we headed for the L’Auberge de Sedona Spa and Resort, where the wedding would take place the next day, and where we would spend two nights. At 7pm, we met the wedding party to shuttle to Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. A wonderful way to spend our 8th wedding anniversary!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CS5u9SkLRe6/

We were quite excited to be able to go back and see Sedona again, after our snowy winter road trip in 2018-19. The Instagram post below gives you an idea of the spectacular views that awaited us this time around.

The road was new to me, as roads always are, going back.

Sarah Orne Jewett
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFH2sbnxqp/

In late December 2018, we pulled into the Rancho Sedona RV campground with high hopes of seeing the sights around Sedona for a couple of days. Little did we know how much snow would fall our second day, on December 31, with thousands of visitors driving into the area.

Our views went from this to this in less than 24 hours!

  • Sedona Red Rocks
    Camel Head Rock on Friday
  • Snowy Red Rocks
    Camelhead Rock on Saturday

I was told that the rock formation was Snoopy Rock, but, scratching my head, I didn’t see it.

Because we were snowed in, we couldn’t even walk the main street through town that affords all the iconic views. Going back to Sedona, on the morning of the wedding, we strolled the street that boasted views and signage!

Sign showing mountains of Sedona
Helpful Street Signs

Turns out, from the campground, Snoopy Rock was hidden. Going back this time, I finally saw Snoopy from a higher vantage point, and boy was I excited! Do you see Snoopy as if he is laying on top of his doghouse?

Snoopy Rock Sedona
Sedona’s Snoopy

For more about that winter road trip, you can check it our here.

A Sedona Wedding, Part 1

Many of you saw my post on Instagram and Facebook where I shared many images of my step-daughter’s wedding. On the morning of the wedding we enjoyed breakfast by the creek with the bride and groom, then did some shopping and sightseeing. My step-dot Vanessa’s mom was also there and helped her get ready.

Some fun facts about the wedding:

  • Vanessa and her new hubby live in Tempe, AZ. Sedona was the perfect venue for the wedding.
  • The groom’s parents live near Toronto, Canada, and travel restrictions were lifted in the nick of time.
  • Vanessa’s dog, Nala, a Shiba-Inu, was the ring bearer.
  • There were only 8 guests at the wedding: 5 parents and 3 special friends of the groom. A reception will be held next year in San Diego where most of the family lives.
  • The bride’s dress was an extra small and did not have to be altered in any way.
  • And yes, I cried when she was escorted down the steps and the aisle with her handsome papa.

Today I will share just a few photos of the wedding.

  • Dad walking bride down steps Sedona
    Proud Papa walking the bride down the steps
  • Proud Dad and Bride
    Proud Dad and Bride

I had the pleasure of taking a bunch of photos of the wedding with my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+. I shared dozens of them with Vanessa. Next week, I will share more that happily coincide with the monthly color challenge Harvest Gold!

The small reception went late into the night. Thankfully the wedding venue was close to our room. However, all good times must come to an end, as the next morning, we were out the door at 4:45am to drive 2 hours back to Phoenix, turn in the rental car, and shuttle to the gate to fly home.

Sharing photos (except Sedona Rocks–most taken with my Lumix) for Journeys with Johnbo’s Cell Pic Sundays.

This map shows our itinerary, flying from Spokane, WA on Friday to San Diego. Saturday, from San Diego we flew to Phoenix, then drove to Prescott and Sedona. Our return trip on Tuesday, was back to Spokane with a short stop in Seattle.

It’s always good to be back home.

Unknown

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

To see more of my images from our whirlwind weekends and other news, consider following Terri on Social Media by clicking the icons:

Sunday Stills is a wonderful community of bloggers and photographers who desire to connect with one another. Fellow blogger and Sunday Stills participant linked to my last post while on my break:

Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After

Join me next week for Part 2 of this post which highlights the wedding, which in turn shows off the colors for next week’s monthly color challenge Harvest gold! I will share more about the rest of the two weeks. Quite a bit happened so please stay tuned.

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87 comments

    • It was, Dawn, thank you. I’m thinking it wouldn’t be a bad idea for a venue when my daughter gets married in the next couple of years–she’s in San Diego so a 6 hour drive isn’t out of the question, especially with so much family living in the Phoenix area.

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    • Thanks, Liesbet! Sometimes a whirlwind puts things in perspective about life and any time spent traveling or with family is a blessing these days. I hadn’t stepped foot on the Helix football field since 1979, so it was rather special to feel a part of the action again. Happy Sunday to you and Mark!

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  5. Terri, these were awesome. I was so stuck on what to do with this theme, but I think this morning I was inspired so going to get a post done. Happy anniversary and how exciting that you and your hubby re-found each other. I’ll come back and post my link after I finish my post.

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  7. Wow, you’ve been busy – no wonder you needed a break! These are lovely photos, Terri, and I hope you’re now rested and ready to host many more Sunday Stills! I won’t be around next Sunday as we’ll be away.

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  8. I have to say that the Bride looks stunning, Terri. But what a whirlwind of 3 weeks for you and Hans. I bet you needed to rest when you got back home. I’d have had to take another three weeks blogging break.

    It’s lovely that you also met up with Marsha again. Out of interest, I’ve been meaning to find Prescott on a map, but now I know (from the map you included). And yes, I see Snoopy in that rock formation, although it wasn’t until your photo from the higher vantage point that I saw him. That’s a cool rock formation.

    Welcome back. I look forward to hearing and seeing more of the wedding next week.

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    • Thank you, Hugh! I am so happy to be back to blogging, but yes, were were rather exhausted from the travel. The week after, we both took long naps, which I rarely do. We also closed out our construction loan at an amazing interest rate and got the shop set up with electric through a contractor. I’m glad the map helped. I always look on google maps when I read some posts to see where people are–love it!

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  9. A well-told, orderly story, Terri. I enjoyed every word, picture and memory. We are going back to Scottsdale today for a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. Wish me luck. I ready for a break from this chaotic order!

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    • Thanks, Natalie! As much as I enjoy travel, I appreciate being home, especially as fall settles in. We are finally out of the oppressive heat and accompanying smoke from wildfires. As for Vanessa, I don’t think I have seen a more beautiful bride. We were honored to be a part of her special weekend.

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  15. Thank goodness you took a break, Terri, because you were BUSY! Good thing that it was all good stuff… beautiful landscapes, beautiful friends, and a beautiful wedding. I’m glad that everything went off without a hitch and everyone was safe and happy. Welcome back.

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  17. […] I stumbled across a weekly photo challenge and have participated for a few weeks now. Sunday Stills hosted by Terri on her blog, SecondWindLeisure blog, is where I found the challenge. I’ll endeavor to capture a fresh image that fits the theme and also share a few photos from our archives. For me, the photos all tie back to memories of our life and travels together. Hope you find them interesting and enjoyable. Enjoy Terri’s post “Going Back? …” […]

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  19. So many great times and awesome photos here Terri. What a time for you all and how much fun and love you packed into those events. Yes they are tiring but oh so good for memory making. I did enjoy following part of the trip via IG and am so glad you got to see many people but to attend and be part of an amazing wedding. Look forward to more next week. Denyse

    https://www.denysewhelan.com.au/denyse-blogs/going-back-is-possible-but-sundaystills-111-2021/

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  20. What a wonderful post. I enjoyed all your photos. I can see Snoopy! And I love the brides beautiful dress. I feel like I know your friends and family now too. Thank you for sharing this whirlwind weekend with us. And …welcome back!

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  21. Welcome back from your break! My wife and I have just started on our own road trip. We’ll be traveling with family for about a month visiting the great outdoor parks and scenic byways in this beautiful country.
    Thanks for participating in Cellpic Sunday.
    By the way, I love your artistic treatment of that opening title image of the camper van.

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  25. Wow Terri, this one was TRULY action -packed! I too love Sedona and stayed at the same in with my husband a few years back. It was beautiful and crystal clear but there had been snow the day before so I got some favorite-ever images that week. Your step-daughter is GORGEOUS and her dress is exquisite. And good for you for adding in a visit with Marsha! Terrific update and post. Welcome back!

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  28. Welcome back Terri, and thanks for sharing some of your excitement with us. Congrats on your daughter’s marriage. And Sedona, well, I’m jealous again. How beautiful it must have been there. And more fun with Marsha. I’m thrilled for you and good for taking a break, we’re all entitled. 🙂 xx

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  34. So much to like in this post, Terri! I love hearing you met your husband when you were 14! You were meant to to be together. 🙂 Beautiful wedding too, in such a beautiful location! I love Sedona and you captured it wonderfully in your photos. I’ve been doing some traveling myself lately so I’m not sure I’ll make this week’s Challenge! Then again, we’ll see, the week’s not over yet! 🙂

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  37. Going back is a great theme! You live such a busy life, it is totally understandable that you needed a blogging break. It is wonderful seeing your happy photos of travel and progress with the new house. ❤

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  43. I loved this story, this journey, this purposeful life you life. Certainly a whirlwind, and thank goodness it came with nothing but smiles. Happiness radiates from you.

    Great quote choice with Marsha in mind.

    Interesting to hear of the athletes that came from your high school. We were Trailblazer season ticket holders and loved Bill Walton.

    As for Snoopy rock…when I started reading I was saying: no, no, you are in the wrong spot. Go back. And sure enough you found it. When I take out of town friends there, that is one challenge I set for them. Find it before we leave that day.

    The wedding was beautiful.

    Enjoy autumn in Washington. Donna

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    • Thank you so much for your kind comments, Donna! I’m so pleased to be interacting with you again! I got Bill Walton’s autograph in 1977 at a Helix HS homecoming event…the guy is TALL and so humble!

      Oh that journey to see Snoopy took me two trips to see it as you read. Well worth the trouble. Now that we’ve had some decent rain here, Autumn is making its presence known very quickly!

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